Much of Theo’s work is rooted in the Canadian west coast, even though framed by the more international outlook his experience has given him.

Born on Vancouver Island, Theo has often travelled beyond it — but always returns home. He grew up in Port Alberni and studied first at the University of Victoria. Further studies took him to Halifax, Nova Scotia and London, England. With a doctorate in English literature, he returned to Vancouver Island to teach at Royal Roads, then at the University of Victoria. Then, for most of his teaching career, he lived and taught at Lester B Pearson United World College of the Pacific outside Victoria, BC. On academic leaves from Pearson, he also taught at United World Colleges in Italy (for one year) and Norway (for two years).

While he taught literature in the classroom, Theo also led student activities that developed his own keen interests: international culture and outdoor activities, including SCUBA diving, hiking, skiing, and kayaking. His pleasure in being active in nature is reflected in his seven outdoor guidebooks and his landscape painting, while the fun of working with bright international students has encouraged fresh perspectives in much of his design and writing.

Significantly, his involvement with the United World Colleges also developed further his desire to contribute what he can to others in the world. Recognizing that developing countries don’t need specialists in English literature but do need doctors and skilled development workers, he uses his own skills as a writer, artist, and illustrator to raise funds to donate to organizations that are effective in environmental and humanitarian work.